Pregnancy in Student-Athletes
Taken from 2011-12 NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook
A policy must be in place to
handle a pregnant studentathlete, and should include:
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Where the student-athlete can
receive confidential counseling
Where the student-athlete can
access timely medical and
obstetrical care
How the pregnancy may affect the
student-athlete’s team standing
and institutional grants-in-aid
That NCAA rules permit a one-year
extension of the five-year period of
eligibility for a female studentathlete for reasons of pregnancy.
per bylaw 15.3.4.3
Exercise in Pregnancy
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Assessing the risk of intense,
strenuous physical activity is difficult
Individualized management essential
Some evidence showing women who
exercise during pregnancy have
improved cardiovascular function,
limited weight gain and fat retention,
improved attitude and mental state,
easier and less complicated labor,
and enhance postpartum recovery.
No evidence showing that increased
activity increases the risk of
spontaneous abortion.
Theoretical risks exists: increased
core body temperature, especially in
the heat. Risk of trauma to the fetus
in second and third trimester
Musculoskeletal Adaptations
• Regular exercise promoted for overall health benefits
• Weight gain during pregnancy increases forces across
joints, increases ligamentous laxity
• Lumbar lordosis; low back pain
• Balance changes
• Despite theoretical risks; no data regarding an
increased injury rate during pregnancy
Nutritional Requirements
• During pregnancy need additional 300 kcal of
energy per day after 13th week of pregnancy,
even more if exercising
• Pregnant women use carbohydrate at a
greater rate at rest and during exercise than
non-pregnant
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Exercising in supine position after the first trimester may cause venous
obstruction and conditioning or training exercises in the position should be
avoided
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Sports with increased incidences of bodily contact or falling are considered
high-risk after the first trimester because of potential risk of abdominal
trauma.
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Basketball
Ice hockey
Field hockey
Lacrosse
Soccer
Rugby
Gymnastics
Equestrian
Downhill Skiing
• The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
states: competitive athletes can remain active during
pregnancy but need to modify their activity as medically
indicated and require close supervision.
• A student-athlete choosing to compete while pregnant
should :
• Be made aware of the potential risks of her particular sport and
exercise in general while pregnant
• Be encouraged to discontinue exercise when feeling overexerted or when any warning sign are present
• Follow the recommendations of her obstetrical provider in
coordination with the team physician
• Take care to remain well-hydrated and to avoid overheating.
Exercise Prescription
• Need to modify exercise prescription for pregnant
female if considering contact sports or at risk
situations (altitude, diving…)
• Variable heart rate response to exercise when
pregnant; thus caution when using “target heart
rate” for pregnant athlete
• Avoid scuba diving, avoid exercise above 2500
meters altitude
Effect of Pregnancy on Competition
• Weight gain
• Ability to stop/start
• Decrease in efficiency of finely tuned skill
movement  increased injury risk?
• Anemia  change in performance
• Fluid shifts / concerns
• Thermoregulatory concerns
Air Travel
• Commercial air travel; no significant risk
• Problematic if severe anemia, sickle cell,
clotting disorder, platelet insufficiency
• Safest time to travel; 2nd trimester (8-24
weeks; lowest risk for premature labor)
• Avoid after 36 weeks or if preterm delivery
risk
Institutional Policy on the Pregnant
Student-Athlete
• Insert specific institutional policy here
WARNING SIGNS TO TERMINATE
EXERCISE WHILE PREGNANT
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Vaginal Bleeding
Shortness of Breath Before Exercise
Dizziness
Headache
Chest Pain
Calf Pain or Swelling
Pre-term Labor
Decreased Fetal Movement
Amniotic Fluid Leakage
Muscle Weakness